Helicopter Life Rafts Ruined in Transit: FAA Demands Quick Replacements
Published Date: 1/21/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own a Leonardo AB139 or AW139 helicopter, heads up! The FAA wants you to replace certain life raft inflation systems because some got damaged during shipping, which could be unsafe. You can’t install the old parts anymore, and comments on this rule are open until March 9, 2026—so act fast to keep your chopper safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory replacement and install ban
If you operate a Leonardo Model AB139 or AW139 helicopter, the FAA would require you to replace certain life raft inflation systems (life raft inflation system P/N 202402A and P/N 202256A with affected cylinder and valve serial numbers) in accordance with EASA AD 2023-0101 (dated May 15, 2023). The rule also prohibits installing an affected life raft inflation system on any helicopter.
Estimated compliance cost per helicopter
The FAA estimates this proposed AD affects 161 U.S.-registered helicopters and would cost about $9,250 per helicopter (labor: 4 work-hours × $85/hour = $340; parts: $8,910). The FAA estimates total U.S. operator costs of $1,489,250.
Limited special flight permits allowed
You may get a special flight permit under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate a helicopter affected by this AD, but any special flight permits must not allow flights overwater. This limits permitted operations until required actions are completed.
No FAA reporting or return requirement
Although EASA AD 2023-0101 asks operators to submit information to the manufacturer and return parts, the FAA explicitly does not require submitting data to the manufacturer or returning parts under this proposed AD. That removes those reporting and return obligations for U.S. operators.
Manufacturer may cover some replacement costs
The FAA notes the manufacturer has stated that some of the costs of this proposed AD may be covered by the manufacturer, which could reduce the cost impact on affected operators. The FAA does not specify amounts or coverage terms in this proposal.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-18601, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-23- 06, which applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes. AD 2023-23-06 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-23- 06, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023-23-06 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-18602, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-22- 12, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. AD 2023-22-12 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-22-12, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023- 22-12 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01048, Airworthiness Directives; Baykar Piaggio Aerospace S.p.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Piaggio Aviation S.p.A.) Airplanes
The FAA wants owners of Baykar Piaggio P-180 airplanes to check their vertical stabilizers for cracks and corrosion. They’re proposing regular inspections and one special test to keep these planes safe, with fixes if problems pop up. Comments on this plan are open until March 9, 2026, so owners should get ready to act soon and keep their planes flying strong.
Next: 2026-01051, Airworthiness Directives; Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
Pilatus PC-12 airplane owners need to check their emergency exit doors because some might not open from inside—yikes! The FAA wants pilots to inspect and fix the passenger service unit trim panel if it’s missing special fastener tapes, and stop using parts that cause this problem. Comments on this safety fix are open until March 9, 2026, so act fast to keep flying safe without breaking the bank.